A law student suspected of involvement in multiple murders alerted the authorities herself in an attempt to manipulate the investigations. Ana Paula Veloso, aged 36, purportedly poisoned Neil Correa da Silva, a pensioner, in Baixada Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, using a toxic bean stew. Detectives suspect that Michele Paiva da Silva, the victim’s daughter, was complicit in orchestrating the murder, as indicated by incriminating text messages detailing their heartless plan.
Throughout the various police reports, the suspect is portrayed either as a complainant, witness, or even a supposed victim to manipulate the investigation and divert attention away from herself. An investigator remarked, “She took pleasure in manipulating the investigations by fabricating events, inventing threats, and enlisting the police to bolster her storyline.”
Concerns regarding her conduct initially arose in January, when Ana Paula contacted the Military Police and reported that her neighbor, Marcelo Fonseca in Guarulhos, had been locked in his house for days and unresponsive. Despite her calm and seemingly caring demeanor during the call, video evidence reveals her cracking a smile. Investigators revealed that Marcelo had been poisoned days earlier, and the suspect continued residing in his house post the crime under the pretext of rent.
Referred to as a “psychopath” and a “serial killer,” Veloso is suspected to have received payment of R$4,000 (£560) to carry out the crime, as per a joint investigation by the Rio and Sao Paulo police. Paiva da Silva, a 43-year-old law student and bus driver, was apprehended on October 8 at a university in Rio.
Police indicate a strained relationship between the father and daughter. They allege that Veloso and Paiva da Silva, described as friends, were present at the house when he became ill and was subsequently hospitalized.
Authorities reportedly discovered a pesticide slightly less potent than lead at Veloso’s residence. Both Veloso and Paiva da Silva are presently in police custody. Chief Inspector Halisson Ideiao Leite disclosed that Veloso has confessed to killing 10 dogs while testing the lethal bean stew, stating, “She admits to killing 10 dogs using this poison, experimenting with the method and timing.”
The investigation has extended to police in Sao Paulo speaking with Veloso’s twin sister, Roberta, with Mr. Leite asserting, “She actively participated in Neil’s death by providing moral and material support.” Police are connecting Neil’s death to three other poisonings in Guarulhos, believed to have been orchestrated by Veloso and Paiva da Silva. Mr. Leite alleged, “Ana Paula poisoned four individuals, including Neil, on Michelle’s instructions.”
These crimes reportedly occurred between January and April this year, with Mr. Leite stating, “Their actions display similarities: establishing closeness, manipulation, and employing poison as a silent weapon.” Veloso first drew police attention after claiming to be a victim of an attempted cake poisoning, which investigators now believe was an effort to frame someone else.
Mr. Leite explained, “Ana Paula Veloso came to our police station alleging a poisoned cake at a college. She planted this purported poisoned cake to incriminate a third party. Through our investigation, we determined that Ana Paula was not a victim but rather a serial killer.” Detectives are now probing if the duo had planned additional murders. Civil police officer Raphael Morais Velo, part of the investigative team, stated, “She did not act impulsively but methodically in her killings.”
